Circle Of Friends

Today feels a bit strange – it is the first Tuesday in September – and for the past seventeen years, for me that has meant the first meeting of the new session for our Ladies Fellowship at Church. But we had our final meeting in July as numbers had dwindled so low.

It was a hard decision to close the group – but it was the right one. At the last meeting [a Garden Party at Sylvia's- in an appalling rainstorm] I was presented with two lovely gifts – a necklace, reminding me of the circle of friends in the group- and a photograph – taken back in about 2005. Many of these ladies are no longer with us, but I have such happy memories of them all.

This group represented the wisdom and experience of many years of Christian faith – always so interested in the life of the church. They supported all that was going on – and even if they could not participate in some of the more energetic activities of the younger folk, they would certainly be there encouraging them, praying, and giving generously.

This week, I know the ones who are left are getting involved in our Week of Prayer. And this afternoon, I am at another church, giving a talk about Mum’s experiences at Bletchley Park – and taking two ladies with me. But it won’t be the same…